Miley Cyrus performs “Slide Away” for the first time at the 2019 MTV VMAs: Watch

Given the track’s sentimental subject matter — she addresses her recent split from longtime partner Liam Hemsworth — Monday night’s performance was aptly emotional and sophisticated in equal measure. The entire thing was shot in black and white and Cyrus’ fierce, impassioned vocals were accompanied by a full ensemble of string and brass players.

“Once upon a time, it was made for us/ Woke up one day, it had turned to dust/ Baby, we were found, but now we’re lost,” she sang. “So it’s time to let it go.”

Stream the video replay below, and catch all this year’s VMA performances here.